We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Privacy Statement.
CORONAVIRUS ALERT: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is closely monitoring updates related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Click here for the latest information.
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has several outpatient and urgent care centers throughout South Florida, including on-demand, virtual care.
Walk-in urgent care with no appointment needed.
Serving as your child's primary doctor's office.
Pediatric specialty consultations available closer to home.
A full range of comprehensive services all under one roof.
Connect with providers from the comfort of your own home.
With over 800 pediatric physicians on staff, we’re dedicated to helping you connect with the right specialist for your needs.
We have expertise in treating children and educating families on hundreds of different conditions.
We use cutting-edge, specialized treatments and procedures to ensure the best care for your child.
Also known as: uridine diphosphate 4-epimerase.
Lactose is a sugar (made up of glucose and galactose) which is broken down by an enzyme called lactase. Galactose requires additional enzymes to break it down-one of which is uridine diphosphate 4- epimerase. When this enzyme is deficit/absent (a rare genetic disorder from a recessive form of inheritance), it causes a disease called galactosemia.
The Epimerase test is a blood test conducted in infants to look for a uridine diphosphate galactose 4-epimerase deficiency (GALE). What happens during the procedure?
A routine blood draw is required in order to perform the epimerase test. The blood sample is then taken to a laboratory for testing and analysis. Is any special preparation needed?
In most cases, no special preparation is needed for the test. What are the risk factors?
Pain, bleeding, infection and damage to surrounding organs (nerve injury), and tissues are potential risks of the test.
Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP
This page was last updated on: December 18, 2020 05:23 PM